Guy Williams: Detroit striving to become global model for environmental, economic and social health

The term ‘environmental justice’ is not heard often, especially in reference to Detroit, the birthplace of the industrial revolution, says Guy Williams, Michigan resident and CEO of Detroiters Working for Environmental Justice, who has spent the last two decades taking action to change that.

On Greening of the Great Lakes, Williams tells host Kirk Heinze about the double-edged impact of being a historically industrial city and about his vision for Detroit as a global model for environmental, economic and social health.

“The more we start to learn about these industrial processes, the chemicals involved and the distribution of those chemicals, we find that there’s a double edged impact to the prosperity and economic benefits,” Williams says.

The other edge reveals a detriment to both land use and health of citizens. Nationwide and worldwide, Williams explains, there is a disproportionate amount of negative impact on people of color, and that Detroit contains the highest concentration of children impacted by elevated chemical levels in the environment, such as lead.

“Given the demographics of Detroit, we’re somewhat of a poster child for these challenges,” Williams says.

Though the city’s recent plans for demolition of old, vacant buildings are intended to bring increased safety and walkability to neighborhoods, Williams says that if the demolitions are not carried out properly, they are likely to release even more toxic substances like lead into the surrounding environment.

“Asbestos and lead are some of the largest physical concerns in terms of the environment and the air quality around demolition,” he says. “In the homes and in the dirt, these toxic substances are still very prevalent, and exposure to them is linked to increased behavioral issues, lower IQ and learning disabilities and crime rates.”

“We have a new mayor and a new city council who are enthusiastic about Detroit’s vision as a place to visit and raise a family in a healthy environment and vibrant economy,” Williams says.

In the past, Detroit city leaders were not always supportive of the idea of ‘environmental justice’, but Williams says that much has changed since DWEJ was established in 1994.

“There was a need for people to learn more about the state of affairs, and that message hasn’t always been welcomed. We’ve really come a long way as a society and as a region, and we really want people to take part in the transformation of the city.”